The IPBN is showcasing Lisbon and Portugal's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem at our upcoming conference in Dublin, scheduled for Thursday, June 20, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) in the presence of our very own Geoffrey Graham, Chair of the IPBN Board, and by the host of the event, Niamh Collins, Director of the GEC.

The conference offers attendees a comprehensive introduction to conducting business in Portugal, making it invaluable for those starting their business journey in the country. Participants will gain insider insights, essential information, and key contacts while networking with thriving Irish companies in Portugal, as well as IPBN members and Executive Partners. This event will showcase the dynamism and diversity of Portugal's entrepreneurial landscape. A series of engaging panel discussions and conversations with experts will provide valuable insights for anyone interested in Portugal's innovation landscape and the abundant business opportunities.

Panel one will discuss the overarching theme of the conference, "Innovation and Doing Business in Portugal," by panelists, Stefan Goor, Group CIO at IPBN Executive Partner Ardanis, Declan Wynne, MD of IPBN Executive Partner Skanstec Engineering, and Richard Clingen, CEO of IPBN Media Partner The Portugal News. The discussion will be moderated by IPBN Board Member Rachael Milne.

Stefan Goor is responsible for aligning Ardanis' digital and innovation strategy with the needs of customers and the market. With over 20 years of experience in software engineering and architecture, he has led the development and delivery of several scalable, secure, and user-friendly products and platforms underpinned by agile methodologies, clean code methodologies, automation, and AI. He is a strong believer in collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning, and strives to create a culture that fosters these values among his team and his partners. Stefan's continuing goal is to support Ardanis' customers by leveraging technology to achieve their strategic and revenue targets.

As Founder and Managing Director, Declan Wynne leads the Skanstec Executive Management Team and sits on the company’s board. Declan has a strong engineering background with dynamic business acumen and a human approach with over 20 years’ experience in the engineering sector. The transition to a climate neutral society, coupled with the convergence of Digital Energy and Connectivity, inspired Declan’s vision for Skanstec to be a leading specialist engineering company in the Energy & Telecommunication Sector with a focus on Decarbonisation and the Digital Transition. It is clear he has a passion for both engineering and sustainability.

Richard Clingen is an experienced entrepreneur with specialist unique skills in online marketing. He has been involved in many industries over the years including, large music festivals, property developments, telecoms, fashion, and renewables. Two years ago, Richard bought The Portugal News as the business was in dire financial straits due to the impact of Covid-19. He said, "I did not wish to see such a community asset as The Portugal News go out of business, as that would have deprived many people of a reputable independent news source, including myself, and a number of people would have lost their livelihood."

Moderator Rachael Milne is a PMP® qualified Project Manager with experience in consulting and training services for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established businesses. Her latest project was to establish an IT Nearshore business for a client, and, due to the success of this project, they were awarded the IPBN Business Success Award 2022 based on innovation, sustainability, job creation, and trade between Ireland and Portugal.

Please click here to register for the Dublin event! We can't wait to see you all there.